Lots to See & Do ...

Camden, Maine and the surrounding areas offer days of exploration. There is hiking, kayaking, swimming, skiing, antiquing, shopping, live entertainment, winery tours, museums, sailing ... All within a walk or short drive from the inn.

maiden cliff - hiking in camden hills state park

If it is hiking that you like to do, Camden Hills State Park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, many offering spectacular views of the town, Penobscot Bay and Megunticook lake. Trail skill levels vary allowing hikers of all abilities to enjoy the beauty of the state park. Before you arrive, you can visit the park's website and checkout trails you might like to hike. The Coastal Mountain Land Trust has a number of wonderful hikes from easy to moderate. All the trails are extremely well maintained, and all offer the peace and beauty that you want from a hike.

We are fortunate to have great kayaking and swimming in the area. A short walk from the inn is Camden's harbor where you can rent kayaks, take a guided tour of the harbor or explore on your own. Megunticook Lake, a short 8 minute drive from the inn, has beautiful areas to kayak and pristine warm waters to swim. Other great kayaking and swimming spots are Hosmer Pond, Norton Pond, Duck Trap, Megunticook River, Seven Tree Pond, Chickawaukie Pond ... You can bring your kayaks with you. Or, you can rent kayaks and equipment from Maine Sport, and they will help you mount the kayaks on your car.

view from the bay - mt. megunticook in the far background

Penobscot Bay offers some of the best sailing in the world, and we have one of the prettiest harbors to start your sailing adventure. You can choose from a two-hour sail on one of the classic schooners in Camden's harbor. We recommend, the Surprise, the Olad, or the Heron. All offer wonderful tours of the bay with great commentary. If you would prefer to tour the harbor and learn about lobstering and lighthouses, you will want to take a tour with Camden Harbor Cruises on the Lively Lady. You can also charter the Owl for the entire day on the water. Finally, if you want a land and sea adventure, stay with us before or after your multi-day cruise on one of the Windjammersthat leave from Camden's harbor.

Marshall point lighthouse - pt clyde

Maine is known for its beautiful lighthouses. There are 4 located less than an hour drive from the inn, and one is a short 15 minute paddle from the inn - Curtis Island Light. Located in Camden's harbor, the lighthouse can be reached by kayak or canoe on town-owned Curtis Island. There is a great walking trail around the island and Adirondack chairs for guests to enjoy the splendid view of the bay. The Breakwater Lighthouse is a 15 minute drive from the inn in Rockland's harbor. In order to reach the lighthouse, you take the beautiful 3/4 mile walk on the breakwater until you reach the end standing in the middle of the entrance to Rockland's harbor - amazing. The Owl's Head Lighthouse is located 20 minutes away in Owl's Head, Maine. You can walk up to the lighthouse as well as wander the numerous trails in the park. The Marshall Point Lighthouse is located 30 minutes away in Port Clyde. This is a pretty setting with benches and a wonderful place to spend an afternoon watching boats and reading a book. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is located in Bristol, Maine is about an hour drive from the inn. This lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the ocean.

If you are interested in enjoying some lovely scenery while sipping a glass a wine, you will want to visit the 3 different wineries in the area. Cellardoor Vineyard is a 10 minute drive from the inn. This is a Napa Valley'esq winery offering beautiful grounds, an exquisite tasting room and nice wine and food products. Sweetgrass Winery, located in Washington, Maine a 25 minute drive from the inn, is slightly more rustic but with tons of character. The Cranberry Smash port is delicious and the view from the back porch is quite lovely. Savage Oaks Vineyard, located in Union, Maine about a 20 minute drive from the inn, has tasty wine in a local farm setting and recently they added a summer concert series with some very well know performers.

The Camden Snow Bowl is located just a 6 minute drive from the inn. The Snow Bowl has recently undergone a 3 million renovation with the installation of a new chair lift, additional snow making equipment, expanded trails and coming soon a new lodge. If you like to ski in a family friendly environment than the Snow Bowl is worth a visit this winter. Lift tickets are extremely reasonable. Also, the Snow Bowl is the only ski area on the East Coast where you have a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Each February the Snow Bowl hosts people from across the globe for the Toboggan National Championship. Two man and four man teams compete hurling down a 400 ft. toboggan shoot and skating across a frozen lake. This a fun filled weekend. If you can only visit in the summer and you like to mountain bike, the Snow Bowl offers great trails to try.

After you have filled your day with outdoor activities and good food you may want to check out a show at the beautiful Camden Opera House. The Opera House has been in business for over 125 years and brings in dance troupes, musical performers, comedians, documentary movies, and plays. There is something for everyone's taste being offered at the Camden Opera House.